Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) - Panama (Ratification: 1958)

The Committee notes the observations of the National Confederation of United Independent Unions (CONUSI), received on 30 August 2021. The Committee notes the Government’s response.

Articles 1(b) and 2(2)(a) of the Convention.Work of equal value. Legislation. The Government indicates in its report that it received technical assistance from the ILO in 2017 and 2019 regarding measures to harmonize its legislation with the principle of the Convention, in particular section 10 of the Labour Code (which provides for “equal pay for equal work in the service of the same employer, performed in the same job, working day, conditions of efficiency and seniority”). In its observations, CONUSI expresses the view that there is no justification for the legislative amendments not to have been carried out by the Government. The Committee notes the Government’s response indicating that due to political elections and the change of government, it was not possible to follow-up on the assistance provided by the ILO, and that consideration is being given to requesting technical assistance again. The Committee recalls that on numerous occasions it has pointed out that the legislation should not only provide for equal remuneration for equal, the same or similar work, but should also prohibit pay discrimination in situations where men and women perform different work that is nevertheless of equal value (see the 2012 General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, paragraph 679). The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to take steps to expand the definition contained in its legislation of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention. The Committee reminds the Government that it may continue to avail itself of the technical assistance of the Office on this matter if it deems it necessary.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.